Staff Profiles

Name and pronouns My name is Jocelyn, I use she/her pronouns.

What First Nations land do you come from? I was born in Arrernte land (Alice Springs), and grew up in many different places around Sydney (Warrang land).

What are your qualifications and position at headspace? I am a clinical psychologist. I work as a Mental Health Clinician at headspace providing counselling/psychological therapy.

 How long have you been working at Headspace? I have been working at Bega headspace since August 2021. I also work in private practice and have worked as a psychologist for nearly 20 years.

What have you learnt working with young people? That there’s lots still for me to learn! – there is so much you continue to teach me. I’ve learnt that through tough times, young people can be extraordinarily resilient, courageous, open, curious, and funny – thank you for sharing your stories.

What is something that you enjoy doing in the local area? I love to walk my very energetic dog on the beach, I love to source a good burger (Cranky Pants currently the winner), I love to ski our beautiful ski fields.

How do you take care of your mental health? I practice what I preach! - eat well, exercise daily, get a good night’s sleep, have plenty of relaxation/down time. Exercise is the non-negotiable and essential for my mental health and well being. I also work hard to have balance between work and life – doing this by taking breaks throughout the year and spending plenty of time doing the things I love – reading, cooking, travelling, spending time outdoors.

What is your favourite place that you have travelled to? Hard to pick a favourite – there are many! I have loved visiting Canada and the USA – I lived in the USA for a couple of years. I love snow skiing and hope to have many ski adventures around the world.

Name and pronouns

My name is Karla and I use she/her pronouns

What First Nations land do you come from? (or where do you come from)

I was born in Mount Isa in Queensland. Mount Isa is situated on the first nations land of the Kalkadoon People, also known as the Kalkatungu, Kalkatunga or Kalkadungu.

What are your qualifications and/or experience in the field? I am an Accredited Practising Dietitian/Nutritionist and am currently working in this field for Headspace. At university I studied a Bachelor of Health Science (Nutrition / Dietetics) and Bachelor of Applied Science (Exercise Science).

What have you learnt working with young people? I love working with young people and I have learned that I still have so much to learn! Young people always bring a fresh perspective and different ways of thinking.

What does a first session look like with you? OR what are three things you look for in a therapist?  The aim of the first session (or two) is to ease any nervousness/anxiety about seeing a dietitian, and to answer any questions that you may have about how the process works. Its also a time for me to get to know you a little, build rapport and trust, and gather some information to see in what ways I can be helpful on your journey.

How long have you been working at Headspace? I have been working at Bega Headspace for 2.5 years

How do you take care of your mental health? I am a big believer in balance. A good combination of sleep, self care, physical activity, coffee, and I wouldn’t be a dietitian if I didn’t say eating a balance of different foods that spark joy J. I love starting my day with going outside and moving usually with a dog or children in tow, preferably near or in a body of water and with the sun rising, before the wind picks up!. My mental health is at its best in the summer months!!!!. I also love turning up the music at home and dancing with my 4 and 6 year old children – their dance moves almost always put a smile on my face!!! Spending quality time with friends, family and traveling to different places to experience a change of scenery/food/culture and to reconnect are also important to me.

Im a big fan of Marie Condo – Less clutter and more joy!

What is something that you enjoy doing in the local area? We have so many beautiful beaches – exploring them is one of my favourite things to enjoy in our local area.

What is your favourite plant and why? I love anything tropical and that’s because I grew up in Queensland and it reminds me of home!

Are you a Dog or a Cat person? Dogs are where my heart lies

What is your favourite place that you have travelled to? South Africa, Croatia, and I love Noosa Heads

Name and pronouns

Kim Andrews, I use she/ her pronouns

What First Nations land do you come from? (or where do you come from) I am from Ngarigo land (Jindabyne). I am not sure of the specific language group for the land I’m from.

What are your qualifications and/or experience in the field? I work as a Mental Health Clinician at headspace. My qualifications for this position are as a Registered Psychologist.

What have you learnt working with young people? In the mist of tough times young people can be funny, caring, thoughtful, reflective, strong and passionate.

What are three things you look for in a therapist?

I look for someone who is:

• Genuine & down to earth
• Willing to try and understand where I am at and focus on what’s important to me
• Knowledgeable and flexible in their approach

How long have you been working at Headspace?

I have been working at headspace Cooma for about 3 years.

How do you take care of your mental health? I have discovered that one of my best ways to take care of myself and recharge is to get out in nature whether that be a bushwalk, mountain biking or sitting in the garden with a cup of tea. I also talk with friends if I notice I am struggling with something.

How do you know if therapy is effective? I may notice that you are taking more small steps towards stuff that is really important to you.

What is one thing you are passionate about? What is something that you enjoy doing in the local area? I love exploring the Kosciuszko National Park, walking, skiing, mountain biking.

Are you a Dog or a Cat person? I am a dog person! I have Rough Collie called Brioche who loves to romp in the snow.

What is your favourite place that you have travelled to? I have travelled to Japan several times, I love the unique culture, language and food.

Name and pronouns?

My name is Carmen, I use she/her pronouns.

How old are you?

I am 45 years old.

What First Nations land do you come from? (or where do you come from)

I live on the lands of the Djiringang people, on beautiful Yuin Nation.

What are your qualifications and position at headspace?

I work as the Service Manager at Headspace. My background is in Public Health.

Can you give a brief description of what your position is and what you do?

As Service Manager, I am responsible for supporting the multi-disciplinary team here at hsBega to deliver the best possible service to young people. This includes oversight of strategic planning, operational accountability including quality and reporting, managing a budget, and building and maintain good relationships with other service providers so that we can work well together in the community. 

How long have you been working at Headspace? I have been working at Bega Headspace for about 3 months, and before that I have worked across a range of human and community services in the Bega Valley for about 15 years.

What is one thing you are passionate about?

Swimming in the ocean, even when its cold.

What is something that you enjoy doing in the local area? I really enjoy walking my dog on the beach of a morning.

What is your favourite plant and why? My favourite plant is lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) because it smells so beautiful in my garden. My herbal medicine teacher used to say that it “gladdens the heart”.

Are you a Dog or Cat person? I’m a dog person! I have a big, goofy, gentle chocolate labradoodle called Bear. He is the bestest boy.

Name and Pronouns My name is Ant, I use he/him pronouns.

What First Nations land do you come from?  The traditional custodians of the land I come from are the Brataualung people of the Kurnai People (Yarram, Victoria).

What are your qualifications and/or experience in the field? I work as a member of the Work & Study Support Division at Headspace. My qualifications for this position are 30 years of operating all areas our family businesses and the adventure of helping 5 kiddo’s grow.

What have you learnt working with young people? Each day brings something new, highs, lows, and everything in between!! Together we can enjoy the highs, work through the lows, and take a breath in between.

How long have you been working at headspace Bega? I have been working at Bega Headspace for about 2 years.

How do you take care of your mental health? I try to get outdoors as much as possible, especially on a paddle board in the surf. Fishing, diving, hitting our sensational estuaries/beaches with the kids. Chipping away at some exercise most days. Hanging out with my wife Nicole, when the kids let us!!

What is one thing you are passionate about? I'm really passionate about salt water. My earliest memories involve fishing with Dad, learning to swim in and understand the ocean with Mum and growing up smelling the salty air living on the headland at Tathra.

What is something that you enjoy doing in the local area? Easy, get near, in or on the ocean.

What is your favourite plant and why? Love the Frangipanni slowly getting bigger in our front yard at home in Tathra.

Are you a Dog or a Cat person? I’m leaning towards the Doggo side, we have Nelson a really loving, playful Cockerpoo.  Have a cat, Ella, who is pretty cool.

What is your favourite book and why? Unfortunately I have been more of a get up and go than a sit and read style of bloke for as long as I remember. I used to read Stephen King books pretty heavy when I was younger.

What is your favourite place that you have travelled to? Lucky to have experienced Thailand and Bali a couple of times over the stretch. Unbelievable to experience the culture, sights, sounds, smells, and environment.

Name and pronouns Luke Foster. He/him/his

What First Nations land do you come from? (or where do you come from) I was born in Nowra on Yuin Country.

Can you give a brief description of what your position is and what you do? I am a qualified social worker and currently work as a mental health clinician at Headspace Bega. I provide counselling to young people and their families to support their mental health and wellbeing. When working with young people, I try to be strength-based, genuine and view the young person as the expert in their own life. My approach assumes that all young people have a wide range of skills, competencies, beliefs and values that will help them in reducing the impact of problems on their lives. My work is often about helping young people to recognize and draw upon these skills when experiencing problems in their lives. In my work I also draw upon my own lived experience of mental health.

What are your qualifications and/or experience in the field? I am a qualified social worker. Prior to working with Headspace, I worked with families involved with the child protection system and with children living in out-of-home care. Prior to this, I worked at a service for people diagnosed with an eating disorder.

What have you learnt working with young people? I have learnt that young people are incredibly resilient and capable. I have also been reminded of how hard it can be as a young person.

How do you take care of your mental health? I like running, swimming/surfing in the ocean and spending time with my 1-year-old son. I also like taking my rescue greyhound, daisy for walks along the beach.

What is something that you enjoy doing in the local area? Checking out some of the great bushwalks in the area.

What is your favourite place that you have travelled to? Patagonia in South America.